27415 Osteochondral knee allograft
Also known as: osteochondral allograft, OCA, cartilage transplant, whole graft
Surgical implantation of osteochondral allograft (cadaveric graft) to repair full-thickness cartilage and bone defects in the knee, transferring donor cartilage and subchondral bone.
In Plain Language
knee cartilage transplant from donor; cartilage-bone graft
Clinical Context
Used for large osteochondral defects, failed prior cartilage surgery, or acute traumatic lesions. Provides immediate structural and biologic reconstruction.
RVU Breakdown
| Work RVU | 19.50 |
| Total RVU | 19.50 |
Est. Medicare Payment
National estimate based on 2026 CMS PFS Conversion Factor ($33.40). Actual payment varies by locality (GPCI adjustment).
Billing & Documentation
As a surgical CPT code, proper documentation must include the operative report detailing the procedure performed, patient positioning, approach, findings, and any complications. This code has a 90-day global period, which includes the day of the procedure, 1 day preoperative, and 90 days of postoperative care. Ensure the diagnosis code (ICD-10) supports medical necessity for the procedure.
How This Code Compares
With a work RVU of 19.50, this code ranks in the 81st percentile among Surgery codes — 2.4x the median (8.00). The highest wRVU in this category is 106.19.
Specialties
Frequently Asked Questions
What is CPT code 27415?
CPT 27415 (Osteochondral knee allograft) is a Surgery code. Surgical implantation of osteochondral allograft (cadaveric graft) to repair full-thickness cartilage and bone defects in the knee, transferring donor cartilage and subchondral bone.
What is the wRVU value for CPT 27415?
The work RVU for CPT 27415 is 19.50. This code is primarily used by Orthopedic Surgery, Sports Medicine, Joint Preservation. It has a 90-day global period.
When is CPT 27415 used?
Used for large osteochondral defects, failed prior cartilage surgery, or acute traumatic lesions. Provides immediate structural and biologic reconstruction.
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CPT® is a registered trademark of the American Medical Association. Data sourced from CMS Physician Fee Schedule RVU26A. Descriptions, synonyms, and clinical context are original content by RVU Edge.